Hormel questions sincerity of Hagel apology

12/22/12 12:27 PM EST

AP Photo

The former ambassador who was called "openly aggressively gay" by former Sen. Chuck Hagel in 1998 is questioning the sincerity of the apology Hagel issued last week.

James C. Hormel tells the Washington Blade that the circumstances surrounding the mea culpa are suspect — coming 14 years later as President Obama is considering him for a possible nomination as defense secretary and the fact it was sent to media outlets rather than to him directly.

"Fourteen years gives one plenty of time to reconsider and make whatever amends one might wish to make, and there were none made until yesterday," Hormel told the Blade's Chris Johnson. "Given that he is under consideration for a presidential appointment, one can only wonder the sincerity of the apology — but I haven't seen the apology, so I can't even comment on it. I've read about it, but I haven't seen it."

Hagel said in a statement provided to POLITICO on Friday that his comments about Hormel after Bill Clinton had named him ambassador to Luxembourg were "insensitive."

"They do not reflect my views or the totality of my public record, and I apologize to Ambassador Hormel and any LGBT Americans who may question my commitment to their civil rights. I am fully supportive of ‘open service’ and committed to LGBT military families.”

Hormel told the Blade that he would oppose Hagel's nomination to lead the Defense Department unless the former senator pledged his unequivocal support for LGBT rights during confirmation hearings.

UPDATE: After reading Hagel's apology, Hormel said it was "significant" in a post on his Facebook page. "Senator Hagel's apology is significant — I can't remember a time when a potential presidential nominee apologized for anything. While the timing appears self-serving, the words themselves are unequivocal — they are a clear apology.

"Since 1998, fourteen years have passed, and public attitudes have shifted — perhaps Sen. Hagel has progressed with the times, too. His action affords new stature to the LGBT constituency, whose members still are treated as second-class citizens in innumerable ways. Sen. Hagel stated in his remarks that he was willing to support open military service and LGBT military families. If that is a commitment to treat LGBT service members and their families like everybody else, I would support his nomination."